These Smash Burger Tacos bring together your favorite burger flavors in a fun, new way! With juicy beef patties, crispy toppings, and soft tortillas, they’re a tasty treat.
Who knew two classic favorites could get cozy like this? I love topping mine with cheese and salsa. Taco Tuesday just got a major upgrade! 🌮🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but keep in mind they’ll be less rich. For a plant-based alternative, try using plant-based ground meat.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas make great taco wrappers, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. Just be careful not to overheat them so they don’t get too stiff!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to switch it up! Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, while Monterey Jack gives a milder taste. For a non-dairy option, try vegan cheese shreds.
Burger Sauce: This sauce adds a tasty finishing touch. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought burger sauce or a simple mix of mayonnaise and ketchup. Personalizing it with a splash of hot sauce can boost the flavor!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smash on My Burgers?
Smashing the burger patties is where the magic happens! Here’s how to ensure you get perfectly crispy edges and a tasty cook:
- Make sure your skillet is really hot before adding the beef. This helps create that nice crust.
- Don’t be shy when smashing! Use a sturdy spatula to flatten the balls completely. The more surface area, the more delicious browning you’ll achieve.
- Season at both stages: season the raw beef and again after smashing for great flavor.
- Watch the cooking time closely. They only need a couple of minutes per side to stay juicy and tender.
How to Make Smash Burger Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup burger sauce (see below for recipe)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30-35 minutes. You’ll be enjoying these tasty tacos in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well until combined and set it aside. This sauce adds a delicious touch to your tacos!
2. Cook the Smash Burgers:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a little cooking oil to coat the surface. Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them onto the hot skillet. Using a spatula, press down firmly on each ball to smash them into thin patties. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Cook these for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned. Flip the patties over and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
In another skillet, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them to be soft and pliable—perfect for holding all the yummy fillings!
4. Assemble the Tacos:
It’s time to build your tacos! On each warm tortilla, place a cooked smash burger patty. Top it with some shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a nice drizzle of your burger sauce. Each bite will be filled with flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Smash Burger Tacos right away. You can add extra burger sauce on the side for dipping too. Enjoy this fun and delicious recipe with family or friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While the 80/20 blend of ground beef gives the best flavor and juiciness, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink.
How Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or sliced spicy pickles to the tacos. You can also mix a little hot sauce into the burger sauce for an extra kick!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No problem! You can substitute with flour tortillas or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Just warm them up in a skillet as you would with the corn tortillas to make them pliable and easy to fold.
How to Store Leftover Tacos
Store any leftover cooked burger patties and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos again. Warm the tortillas quickly before serving to keep them fresh!
